In the past decade, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the fastest-growing technological fields, widely applied across various industries, from healthcare and education to business and entertainment. AI is not only transforming the way we live and work but also opening new opportunities for the younger generation—students who can use this technology to shape the future.
Recognising the rapid advancement of technology, NIIE understands the importance and urgency of equipping students with knowledge and skills in AI. This is not just a way to engage with cutting-edge technology but also a means to prepare them for the challenges of a constantly evolving world. For this reason, the Institute organised a workshop on the topic, “Generative AI in Software Engineering: Recent Research and Illustrative Applications,” to provide students with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of this field.
Workshop: “Generative AI in Software Engineering: Recent Research and Illustrative Applications”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Quan Thanh Tho, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Technology—VNU HCMC, was the workshop’s distinguished guest. He is one of the pioneering experts in AI research in Vietnam. His notable research includes formal methods, program analysis/verification, the Semantic Web, machine learning/data mining, and intelligent systems.
The workshop focused on topics related to Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLM), a type of artificial intelligence capable of recognising and generating text and performing other complex tasks. The students were introduced to:
- An overview of LLMs.
- Reasons for researching LLMs in Software Engineering (SE).
- Potential application areas of LLMs in SE.
A highlight of the workshop was the session on Prompt Engineering—the practice of designing inputs for Generative AI tools to produce optimal outputs. Dr. Quan Thanh Tho introduced the logical thinking of a Prompt Engineer, requirement techniques, advanced methods for code generation based on LLMs, and the practical effectiveness of these technologies.
To help students visualise and apply their knowledge in practice, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Quan Thanh Tho presented several case studies on using Generative AI and LLMs in corporate settings, including requirement analysis, code generation, software testing, and AI in Agile. Additionally, students were able to share insights on programming experience in countries open to AI, such as Europe, and the challenges in more restrictive markets like Japan.
At the end of the workshop, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Quan Thanh Tho addressed questions from students on topics such as: “Can AI replace humans in the future?”, “What should students do to adapt to the rapid development of AI quickly?” and “How can AI be effectively applied to study and work without becoming dependent?” In addition, technical questions on programming languages, data sources, and the machine learning logic behind popular Generative AI and LLMs, such as ChatGPT and Copilot, were thoroughly and satisfactorily answered.
The workshop concluded in a highly professional yet engaging atmosphere. The knowledge and experience accumulated throughout the workshop serve as a foundation for student development and open up numerous career opportunities for the future. Through workshops and seminars like these, NIIE hopes students will progressively move closer to their dreams of becoming ambitious technology experts and leaders, securing well-paying jobs upon graduation, and contributing their knowledge to advancing science and technology.
